Botanical Overview
Garcinia cambogia belongs to the family Clusiaceae and is commonly known as Malabar tamarind, Garcinia, Kudampuli, and Brindleberry. Native to Southeast Asia and India, the medicinal parts primarily used are the fruit rind or pericarp. It is traditionally valued for its sour and acidic taste and is often employed to aid digestion and support metabolic health.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and moistening in energetic terms, with predominant tastes of sour, bitter, and acidic. Its action is mostly descending with a relaxing tonicity, primarily affecting qi and fluid metabolism.
Primary Actions
- Appetite suppressant
- Weight loss aid
- Digestive tonic
Indications
Western
- Overweight
- Obesity
- Digestive sluggishness
- Acid reflux
Syndromes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hyperlipidemia
- Overeating
TCM
No well-documented uses or syndromes established in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Ayurveda
- Excess adiposity
- Poor digestion
- Pitta imbalance
Syndromes
- Medoroga (obesity)
- Ama (toxicity)
Unani
No significant traditional indications recorded.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Primary phytochemicals include hydroxycitric acid, xanthones, tannins, and various polyphenols. Hydroxycitric acid is principally responsible for appetite suppression and modulation of lipid metabolism.
Dosage & Preparations
- Extract standardized to 50-60% hydroxycitric acid, 500-1500 mg daily in divided doses
- Fruit rind powder used in traditional culinary contexts
- Available as capsules, tablets, and tinctures of standardized extracts
Safety & Contraindications
Garcinia cambogia is generally well tolerated at typical dosages. However, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of safety data. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea. Potential interactions include antidiabetic medications and statins, warranting monitoring of blood glucose and liver function. Reports of hepatotoxicity are rare but warrant avoidance in liver disease. Not recommended for children or those allergic to Clusiaceae family plants.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulerships identified in reputable sources.
Selected References
- Hydroxycitric Acid and Its Role in Weight Management – Preuss HG et al., 2004
- Garcinia cambogia (Malabar tamarind) – Monograph, PFAF, 2023
- Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants – K. V. Peter, 2009
- Safety and Toxicity of Garcinia cambogia Extracts – Kim M et al., 2020